Mauricio Pochettino wants to see Harry Kane spend his entire career at Tottenham
On the day Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane began his courtship of of the England striker Kane, the Spurs boss spoke of the 24-year-old’s bond with the club.
He revealed how Kane had become very emotional watching scenes of Francesco Totti’s last game for Roma in May, where he spent 25 years as a player before bowing out aged 40.
“He enjoys Tottenham, he comes from the academy, he identifies with the club,” said Pochettino.
“For me, he’s a player who likes scoring, loves the Tottenham shirt and was excited when he saw Totti’s farewell in Rome and that creates extra motivation.
“Harry was so emotional when he saw that last game of Totti for Roma – only playing at one club, Maybe Harry can have the same career as Totti.
“I hope he stays with us for a long time because has great quality and is a great pro and a model for his team-mates.”
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Francesco Totti made 619 appearances for Roma in a career spanning 25 years
Harry was so emotional when he saw that last game of Totti for Roma – only playing at one club, Maybe Harry can have the same career as Totti.
Mauricio Pochettino
Pochettino has also been flattered by comments from Spurs chairman Daniel Levy, who has said he wants the manager to be their Sir Alex Ferguson, who had 27 years with Manchester United.
Pochettino said: “It’s always up to the owner or chairman to decide if you’re a manager for a short time or long period.
“I’m so happy. I enjoy my time at Tottenham, it’s a club with big potential, new stadium and facilities which will be the best in Europe.
“And at the same time, we have a competitive team capable of winning a trophy. But I’m happy to hear Daniel is being so kind to me, telling everyone what to expect.”
Spurs are building a new £800million stadium next to their old home at White Hart Lane.
Temporarily at Wembley, they have won both their Champions League group games so far and are currently third in the Premier League having finished runners-up to Chelsea last season.
Pochettino has a shocking personal record against Madrid as a manager. While with Espanyol, he faced them seven times in La Ligas and lost all of the games, conceding 20 goals and scoring none.
But the 45-year-old insisted tonight’s clash was a totally different proposition.
“I only remember 95 when we won here – the last time Espanyol won here,” joked Pochettino, who played for the Barcelona-based side from 1994-2000.
“True as a manager, it was bad for us. The Spanish can judge better. It wasn’t the best situation to compete with this type of team.
“But today is different chapter. Tottenham is a historic club and we try to put Tottenham in that level to fight for big things, not only in England, in Europe. It’s a big opponent to show we can compete in this level.
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Harry Kane has been in sensational form for Tottenham this season
“It’s clear in my head I always try to win, every game. When I’ve played Real Madrid and lost 3-0 I always remember Jose Mourinho sat in that chair and asked who was No20 or 30, someone called Molina, who was 17 or 18 and he said he liked him.
“It’s true when you see the level we have in the Champions League you can have hopes but in my head I always think about winning.
“I thought about winning six or seven years ago because when you enjoy football you must be bold no matter who you play. The idea is to win and to believe. My feeling has not changed.
“It’s special to play here at the Bernabeu against Real Madrid in Champions League, the team with the most titles in this competition. For English players, it’s a dream. That’s true. When you come here you feel the reality about football and it’s a great opportunity for everyone. Everyone is excited to play here.”
